YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan – The top enlisted sailor aboard the USS Germantown has been temporarily relieved in the wake of allegations of sexual assault made by a crewmember, Navy officials said Tuesday.

After “careful consideration,” squadron commodore Capt. Heidi Agle decided that an ongoing investigation would impact Galura’s ability to do his job “and would be an unnecessary distraction to the command mission,” according to a command statement.

Navy officials did not provide further details on the accusation, citing the ongoing investigation.

Galura has served as Germantown’s command master chief since August 2011.

Galura joined the Navy in 1989 at Naval Station Subic Bay, Philippines. He has also served aboard the USS Essex and USS San Bernardino during previous tours in Sasebo.

The service has also formed a new legal team to represent accusers of sexual assault. Supporters of the new Navy legal team say it provides victims with support beyond that of the prosecution, which tries cases on behalf of the government; however, some legal analysts and defense attorneys argue that the additional counsel puts the accused at a disadvantage.